{"id":14408,"date":"2025-04-24T10:32:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T07:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=14408"},"modified":"2025-05-22T15:46:26","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T12:46:26","slug":"dog-dental-care-why-its-important-and-how-to-brush-your-pets-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/dog-dental-care-why-its-important-and-how-to-brush-your-pets-teeth","title":{"rendered":"Dog Dental Care: Why It\u2019s Important and How to Brush Your Pet\u2019s Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clean teeth aren&#8217;t just about looks; they&#8217;re <strong>fundamental to your dog&#8217;s long and healthy life<\/strong>. According to vets, over 80% of dogs older than three years show signs of periodontal disease, which can lead to pain, tooth loss, and problems with internal organs. In this article, we&#8217;ll explore <strong>why regular dental care for your dog and the correct brushing technique are so crucial<\/strong>, and provide a step-by-step guide to turn this into an easy daily habit; there&#8217;s more on this at <a href=\"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\">Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is oral hygiene important for dogs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Disease prevention<\/strong>: Regular brushing prevents plaque build-up and tartar formation. This is vital as dental issues can often contribute to <a href=\"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/top-10-health-problems-in-dogs-symptoms-first-aid-and-when-to-seek-immediate-veterinary-care\">various health problems in dogs<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bad breath<\/strong>: That unpleasant &#8220;doggy&#8221; breath is most often linked to bacteria in the gums.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Internal organ health<\/strong>: Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and harm the heart, liver, and kidneys.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Animal comfort<\/strong>: Being pain-free improves your pet\u2019s appetite and mood. Learning <a href=\"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/how-to-tell-if-your-dog-is-in-pain-subtle-signs-of-pain-in-animals\">how to tell if your dog is in pain<\/a> is key to their wellbeing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mali-101634-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"A dog smiling, showing its clean teeth.\" class=\"wp-image-10124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mali-101634-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mali-101634-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mali-101634-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mali-101634-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mali-101634-420x280.jpg 420w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mali-101634-860x571.jpg 860w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mali-101634.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to start and how often to brush?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s best to introduce a puppy to a toothbrush from 2-3 months old. For adult dogs, it&#8217;s recommended to <strong>brush their teeth at least three times a week<\/strong>, and ideally, every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Dog Size<\/th><th>Recommended Frequency<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Small (up to 10 kg)<\/td><td>4 times a week<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Medium (10-25 kg)<\/td><td>3 times a week<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Large (&gt;25 kg)<\/td><td>2-3 times a week<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What do you need for teeth cleaning?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A special <strong>dog toothbrush<\/strong> (single-sided, double-sided, or a finger brush).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Toothpaste<\/strong> with enzymes (fluoride-free and non-foaming, safe if swallowed).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gauze or a silicone finger cover for initial attempts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chew treats and toys for additional mechanical cleaning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A bowl of water, a towel, and a calm environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step-by-step guide: How to brush your dog\u2019s teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"674\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-blue-bird-7210337-1024x674.jpg\" alt=\"Person brushing a dog's teeth.\" class=\"wp-image-10126\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-blue-bird-7210337-1024x674.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-blue-bird-7210337-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-blue-bird-7210337-768x506.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-blue-bird-7210337-860x566.jpg 860w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-blue-bird-7210337.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prepare your dog<\/strong>: Let them sniff the brush and paste, pet them, and keep them calm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Apply the paste<\/strong> to the brush; a flavour like chicken or liver can spark their interest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Start with the front teeth<\/strong>, using short, circular motions at a 45\u00b0 angle to the gum line.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Move to the back teeth<\/strong>: Lift their lip and work from the outer surface to the inner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t press too hard<\/strong>, to avoid injuring the gums.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Praise and reward them<\/strong> with treats immediately after the procedure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gradually increase the time<\/strong> to 2-3 minutes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternative ways to maintain cleanliness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chew sticks with enzymes and seaweed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rope toys and rubber bones that help clean off plaque.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dry food \u2013 kibble with a special texture to remove plaque.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additives for drinking water with chlorhexidine or zinc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to see a vet?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mikhail-nilov-7470634-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Vet examining a dog's teeth.\" class=\"wp-image-10134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mikhail-nilov-7470634-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mikhail-nilov-7470634-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mikhail-nilov-7470634-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mikhail-nilov-7470634-1-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mikhail-nilov-7470634-1-420x280.jpg 420w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mikhail-nilov-7470634-1-615x410.jpg 615w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mikhail-nilov-7470634-1-860x573.jpg 860w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-mikhail-nilov-7470634-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bleeding gums or a strong, <strong>unpleasant odour<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tartar that cannot be removed with a home toothbrush.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Refusal to eat, drooling, or <strong>pain when touching the muzzle<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for a pain-free routine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Carry out the procedure after an active walk when your dog is relaxed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always finish brushing with a <strong>favourite reward<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not use human toothpaste.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Change the toothbrush regularly (every 3 months).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Remember<\/strong>: The &#8220;little and often&#8221; approach works better than infrequent, lengthy sessions. Your pet will get used to it, and you&#8217;ll keep their smile sparkling for years to come!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Clean teeth aren&#8217;t just about looks; they&#8217;re fundamental to your dog&#8217;s long and healthy life. According to vets, over 80% of dogs older than three years\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":14396,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4436],"tags":[5829],"class_list":["post-14408","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-dogs-health-en","tag-pet-dental-health"],"views":45,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14408","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14408"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14408\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14415,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14408\/revisions\/14415"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14396"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14408"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14408"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14408"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}